Groupers & sea bass

Serranidae

The heavyweights of the reef. Groupers are often the most confident fish you'll meet — large ones at cleaning stations will let you approach within arm's reach. In marine reserves, resident groupers become reliable dive buddies.

Last updated April 2026

Dusky grouperEpinephelus marginatus9 photos

VulnerableUp to 150 cm8–50mRocky reefCave

The king of the Mediterranean reef — a massive, dark olive-brown grouper with golden-yellow mottling and a broad, heavy head. Can exceed 1 meter.

Rests in caves and under ledges, often allowing close approach in marine reserves where it has learned divers are harmless.

Observed at

Tascó Petit(Illes Medes)El Faro(Ibiza)La Virgen(Costa del Maresme)Bajo de Dentro(Cabo de Palos)Pecio de San Andrés(Tarifa)El Plaer del Vell(Costa del Maresme)Ancora del Negre(Costa del Maresme)La Trencada(Costa del Maresme)Carall Bernat(Illes Medes)Ferranelles(Illes Medes)Port de la Selva(Cap de Creus)Roca Muladera(Tossa de Mar)

ComberSerranus cabrilla8 photos

Least ConcernUp to 25 cm5–50mRocky reefPosidonia

A small, elongated grouper with reddish-brown body crossed by darker vertical bands. Distinguished by the blue lines on its cheeks and gill covers.

Very common on Mediterranean rocky reefs, often resting on boulders or hovering near the bottom — not shy and easy to approach.

Observed at

La Virgen(Costa del Maresme)Mar Menuda(Tossa de Mar)The Tower Marbella(Marbella)La Trencada(Costa del Maresme)El Plaer del Vell(Costa del Maresme)

Painted comberSerranus scriba4 photos

Observed at

La Virgen(Costa del Maresme)El Templo(Costa del Maresme)Roca Muladera(Tossa de Mar)

Mottled grouperMycteroperca rubra1 photos

Observed at

Cala Margarida(Palamós)

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